mgo.licio.us

"The face of the operation is Briatore (referred to exclusively in the film by his colleagues and angry, chanting detractors as "Flavio"), an anthropomorphic radish who spends most of his time at QPR plotting to fire all of the managers."

At press time, Harbaugh had sent Michigan’s athletic department an envelope containing a heavily annotated seating chart, a list of the 63,000 seat views he had found unsatisfactory, and a glowing 70-page report on section 25, row 12, seat 9, which he claimed is “exactly what the great sport of football is all about.”

FORMATION NOTES: Discontent with trying to file plays on which a tight end motio`ns inside of the tackle box but does not line up as a pure fullback as either "ace" or "I-Form," I've created new lingo. This is "Ace H":

Welcome it. It will be your good friend for a long time.

As the coaches mentioned, Akron spent much of the day in bear fronts. That means they folded linebackers inside of their ends at the LOS like so:

I noted this as 6-2 bear. When only one Akron player was folded inside it was 5-3 bear. (On almost all plausible run snaps Akron showed an eight-man front.)

PERSONNEL NOTES: OL was the usual, with Magnuson making his regular goal-line cameo. AJ Williams didn't play and Funchess went out late, paving the way for a lot of Jake Butt and the debut of Jordan Paskorz, runnin' routes with a broken hand.

Green got two snaps, I think, and Justice Hayes was briefly featured as a second back in a shotgun 2-back formation; all he did was pass block. Wideouts were as usual. If you squint maybe you can perceive Chesson getting more time than he has in the past.

Oh: again there was a small Norfleet package. Hopefully as the season goes along "Norfleet is on the field" starts being less than 90% "Norfleet is getting the ball."

[After THE JUMP: wha happen]

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M25

1

10

Ace trips bunch

2

1

2

4-3 over

Run

Inside zone

Toussaint

-2

Butt in a two point stance with Houma also stacked over there along with Chesson. Akron shifts over with a NT shaded between Miller and Glasgow. Miller(-2) barely touches that nose as he moves to the second level and Glasgow has no prayer of getting a block. Akron did not cover a threatened Chesson end-around at all.

M23

2

12

Ace 3-wide

1

1

3

4-3 over

Pass

Slant

Gallon

6

Quick pass with the Akron CB in excellent position to get a play on the ball; Gallon makes a tough-ish catch. Disturbing they can play this versus how we did. (CA, 2, protection 1/1)

This is a sight adjust that's a check out of a running play. But Akron's corner is four yards off the LOS, so he tackles on the catch. A screen BR? Yup. (BR, 3, screen)

M47

2

9

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

4-3 under

Pass

Swing

Norfleet

5

This is a called swing screen to Norfleet with Glasgow pulling around and trying to be useful. Dileo(-1) is out on the edge and sets up to block a safety coming down; he gets run over. He's falling backwards and doesn't make the DB pick a side; Norfleet tries to run outside since the corner looks wide open and gets ankle-tackled. (CA, 3, screen)

I'm not sure if you can expect Miller(-1) to make this judgment live, but I think by the positioning of the linebackers you can tell that this is man coverage, and in that case Miller should block the linebacker farther away from the play, who will be hauling after Houma, not the guy to the playside, who is going to check Toussaint. He picks the guy who checks Toussaint so Houma's guy is ripping through to follow. He cuts down on the space available as Houma moves to the safety, and Reynolds(-1) gets thrown away by a DB who started the play in press coverage. Not sure why you're blocking from the start here instead of trying to a get a release off the line.

M12

2

8

I-Form twins

2

1

2

6-3 bear

Run

Zone stretch

Toussaint

-2

Nine guys in the box for Akron. Michigan runs at it. Cumong man. Making matters worse, only the right half of the line has the snap count. Glasgow, Lewan, and Butt are all motionless for a beat after the snap. That makes all those guys give ground and then Toussaint gets buried instead of making a hard upfield cut behind that mess. A holistic failure. Glasgow -1, Lewan -1, Butt -1, Toussaint -1, Schofield +1 for a nice cut block.

M10

3

10

Shotgun trips bunch

1

1

3

Nickel over

Pass

Rollout throwaway

N/A

Inc

Bleah to rollouts in principle. This looks like their flood concept, FWIW. Toussaint gets a good cut on a hard charging DE, so the corner, but an Akron LB is flowing up hard to the outside and pressures. No idea what Gardner is seeing downfield because this is pore-o vision and the BTN's replays are nonexistent. He escapes the second attacker and then has to chuck it away. (TA, N/A, protection 1/1)

Drive Notes: Punt, 7-0, 5 min 1st Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

DForm

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M26

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Pass

PA Hitch

Gallon

8

Eight in the box with LBs tucked inside both DEs. M goes PA and actually has Kerridge running up the middle of the field unmolested but Gardner just goes with the Gallon hitch. Gallon evades a tackle for some YAC. (CA, 3, protection 1/1)

M34

2

2

Ace H

1

2

2

4-3 over

Run

Power O

Toussaint

11

Funchess motions from a wing position to an H-back spot. M runs at the strong side, pulling Kalis to it. Lewan(+1) blows his guy off the ball. Funchess(+1) takes the playside end inside and pancakes him. Kalis(+0.5) kicks out a linebacker. Butt(+0.5) basically gets a free block as the other LB runs himself out of the play, but he does extend it a while. Glasgow(+0.5) gets out to the second level after bumping that LB and gets a block on a linebacker; Jackson(-1) whiffs on two separate guys in the secondary, potentially preventing a bounce to the sideline and forcing everything back to help. He did get a block coming back upfield, FWIW. Toussaint(+1) made a nice cut to get behind Glasgow's block.

M45

1

10

I-Form twins

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Run

Zone stretch

Toussaint

14

Gardner checks after seeing the front. Schofield(+1) escorts the playside LB upfield; Kalis(+1) rides the DT down the line and pancakes him. Miller(+1) figures he can't get a scoop on that guy and releases, getting a block on an ILB as he slows up in case of a cutback. Toussaint(+0.5) jumps through the narrow crease and picks up another first down. Kerridge(+1) got through that hole too and cut off a linebacker.

O41

1

10

Ace

1

2

2

6-3 bear

Run

Pitch sweep

Toussaint

-1

Another check as Akron has all 11 guys within six yards of the LOS. It's a check to... a pitch. Uh, okay. Schofield is supposed to pull around Funchess(-1) and Chesson; Funchess is supposed to block a DE lined up outside of him. If he's going to do that he needs to take stretch steps, giving ground to get around the guy. He instead just kind of goes upfield. Chesson(-1) was supposed to help him maybe? This is a pitch to the boundary against a nine man front that asks Funchess and Chesson to execute a scoop block. Dumb. Kalis(+1) buried his guy. RPS -2.

O42

2

11

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

5-2 bear

Pass

Tunnel screen

Norfleet

15

Flare fake to Toussaint, hit Norfleet coming underneath. Akron's DL all bite, and the LBs are late to react. Norfleet(+1) does a good job of briefly threatening outside to get a couple of block hop-outs; Miller(-1) turns around despite having Kalis outside of him to handle one of those guys trying to get around. As a result he can't block a safety and Norfleet gets penned in. Funchess(-0.5) did get a LB, kind of, but he fights through to constrict and help tackle. RPS +2; a couple more blocks and this is a TD.

O27

1

10

I-Form twins

2

1

2

4-3 under

Run

Zone stretch

Toussaint

-1

Akron ends up with a massive hole between the NT, who is shaded just over Miller, and the DE, who's outside of the TE Butt. They run at this... and get nowhere. Yeesh. Glasgow(-2) releases immediately, leaving Miller(-1) trying to block a guy playside with zero help. He has a tough task but could do better, getting driven back. With Lewan and a FB they can get the two playside LBs and then Glasgow can release after a double; instead Michigan's just asking their players to make reach blocks against guys slanting away from them all day. Toussaint(-1) should just continue playside since he does have a crease since Kerridge hit Miller's guy, but cuts back into doom. Picture-paged.

O28

2

11

Ace

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Pass

Waggle corner

Jackson

Inc

Flood concept. Gardner makes the right choice here as Jackson(!) has a step or two on this guy in the endzone and there is a large swath of area in which Jackson has a touchdown, but he leaves it short and to the inside, as he's being chased and can't set his feet. (IN, 0, protection N/A)

O28

3

11

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

Nickel even

Pass

Throwaway

N/A

Inc

Glasgow(-2) does not read a stunt and lets an end directly upfield. Gardner should just run to the field, where he's got space, but instead does his turn around thing, gets in lots of trouble, and heaves it up OOB. (PR, N/A, protection 0/2)

Drive Notes: Missed FG(45), 7-3, 14 min 2nd Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M27

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Run

Inside zone

Toussaint

-1

Schofield(-2) gets burned around the corner by the defensive end; Miller(-1) gives a bunch of ground and allows the DT playside of him in the backfield. The bear front meant that Kalis had to go to the LB right away, so no double possible.

M26

2

11

I-Form

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Penalty

False Start

Gardner

-5

Gardner has the wrong snap count, rocks back.

M21

2

16

Shotgun trips TE

1

1

3

4-3 under

Pass

Swing

Toussaint

27

Replay of the swing against ND, with the TE the only player to the boundary. Linebacker to that side goes with him, no one on the swing. RPS +2. (CA, 3, protection N/A) Funchess(+1) gets a crunching downfield block to allow Toussaint(+1) to cut in smartly.

M48

1

10

Ace twins

1

2

2

4-3 over

Pass

PA Scramble

Gardner

11

All day; Gardner decides to throw and then pulls it down at the last second. That out of the question, he tucks and takes off. (SCR, N/A, protection 3/3, Gardner run plus)

O42

1

10

Ace H

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Pass

TE Hitch

Butt

14

Miscommunication for Akron as one LB bugs out for Funchess and no one slides over to deal with Butt. Routes would have been difficult to deal with given Akron's posture. (CA, 3, protection 1/1, RPS +1)

O28

1

10

Ace H twins

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Run

Power O

Green

2

Playside end dives inside as the bear LB to that side appears to have contain. He gets under Funchess(+0.5) a bit but Funchess does hit him and seem to have him under control; Kalis(-1) does not adjust, hitting the same guy. Stripped of his lead blocker Green is probably dead either way; he goes straight upfield and gets a couple thanks to a good seal from Miller(+0.5).

This gets called back for a nonexistent hold on Butt. Seriously: there is no penalty here. Refs -3. Playside end is diving inside hoping to get a two for one and spill it to an unblocked guy, but there isn't one. Just the ILB, who isn't anywhere close enough to upfield to contain Toussaint, who cuts outside and has lots of daylight. He goes down at the two. Lewan(+1) and Glasgow(+1) buried the playside tackle; Butt(+1) did likewise with playside LB. Toussaint's(+1) bounce is a good one. Kalis(-1) got caught up in the playside end that Houma blocked inside.

O26

1

20

Ace twins twin TE

1

2

2

4-3 even

Pass

Throwback screen

Gallon

16

Always works, works. Chesson(+1) occupies a corner until the end of the play; Lewan(+1) gets out to get the playside LB; Gallon(+1) breaks a tackle to pick up extra yards. (CA, 3, screen, RPS +1)

O10

2

4

Pistol trips bunch

2

1

2

4-4 even

Run

Speed option

Gardner

-12

If Gardner(-4) pitches, an easy touchdown. RPS +2. Miller(-1) had totally whiffed on a guy behind the play; Lewan(+0.5) and Glasgow(+0.5) sealed the playside end in, but that was pretty easy.

Drive Notes: Fumble, 7-3, 8 min 2nd Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

O20

1

10

Pistol 3-wide

1

1

3

5-2 bear

Pass

Slant

Gallon

Inc

Press cover on Gallon works well. Gallon sells fade, breaks inside, has just a yard of space on a three yard slant that will be an immediate tackle, and may be thrown off by all of this as he lets one go right through his hands. (CA, 3, protection 1/1, RPS -1)

O20

2

10

Pistol 3-wide

1

1

3

5-2 bear

Pass

Out and up

Funchess

Inc

Funchess breaks open inside the ten and Gardner finds and fires, but well behind his target. This still clangs off of Funchess's hands, but it was humming and is a pretty easy throw over the middle. (IN, 2, protection 1/1)

Three man rush; Miller(-1) sort of beat up the middle by it. Gross. Gardner, off balance, turfs a throw to Dileo. Should have hit the uncovered swing to Toussaint. (IN, 0, protection 0/1, Miller -1)

M28

2

10

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

3-2-6 dime

Pass

Seam

Funchess

INT

This is a dart that goes through Funchess's hands and off his helmet before the Zip makes contact with him. Funchess was definitely seeing that guy come at him and heard footsteps, but this was there for 20 yards. (DO, 2, protection 2/2)

This is a tight keep or give situation as the backside end is moving down pretty quick. He redirects well once Gardner pulls and forces him outside, but Gardner does get the corner. Gallon(-1) loses his corner, though, and he's here to clean up. Michigan had blocked the other part of this really well, FWIW. Glasgow(+1) and Kalis(+1) had locked out their guys and it looks like the entire second level is blocked.

M29

2

8

Ace H

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Pass

Dig?

Chesson

Inc

All day as M is running max protect with just the WRs, Gardner pumps once and then fires in the direction of Chesson, but it's to Tacopants. No replay so can't see what the deal is with the pump. (IN, 0, protection 2/2)

M29

3

8

Shotgun 2-back

2

0

3

Nickel even

Pass

In

Gallon

Inc

Hayes in as a second RB. Gardner has Gallon for the first down and throws the ball way late and behind. (IN, 0, protection 2/2)

Drive Notes: Punt, 7-3, 14 min 3rd Q. Woof.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M43

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

???

Run

Iso

Toussaint

25 (Pen -10)

M caves in the backside and an end has to contain Gardner, so Fitz has a cutback lane as Kalis(+1) and Schofield(+1) blow guys off the ball. Fitz shoots past the backside linebacker and then has a ton of space with just Gallon(-1) and his guy in it. Gallon's set up outside and he can go straight upfield for at least a first down; Toussaint(-2) inexplicably tries to go outside and turns a block that doesn't get flagged into a holding call.

M33

1

20

Ace H

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Run

Power O

Toussaint

27

Lewan(+2) blows up the playside DT. Glasgow(+1) momentarily helps and then pops off on a linebacker trying to shoot a gap. Funchess(+1) drives a LB trying to get a two for one inside and allows Kalis(+0.5) to get out on a linebacker who is the force player. Crease. Butt(+1) engaged the playside LB for a long time and Toussaint can just jet off LT for a nice gain. Chesson(+1) buries a safety so Toussaint probably scores here if he just runs by the last desperate Akron player instead of trying a stiffarm; Akron guy grabs the arm and manages to drag him down.

O40

1

10

I-Form twins

2

1

2

4-4 over

Run

Iso

Toussaint

4

Glasgow(+1) escorts an Akron DT well upfield and out of the hole. Kalis(+0.5) and Miller(+0.5) actually double the NT and drive him back; Miller is about to pop out on the WLB. Kerridge(+1) puts the MLB on the ground; Toussaint... cuts away from all this great blocking. WTF. -2.

O36

2

6

Shotgun 2TE twins

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Run

Inverted veer keeper

Gardner

36

Kalis(+1) blasts the playside DT inside. End contains, pull for Gardner. Toussaint blocks the contain guy because he's right in the way. Funchess(+2) pounds the playside LB about six yards off the LOS and seals him to one side. Schofield(+1) blows up another LB, shoving him to yet another guy, who Glasgow(+1) IDs and crushes from behind, which is legal since it's in the tackle box. Got there fast, too. Gardner(+1) picks through his blocks well, then hits the jets; Jackson(+1) initially loses his corner but is able to peel back and get him on a second attempt to make it easy sailing.

Drive Notes: Touchdown, 14-10, 8 min 3rd Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M14

1

10

I-Form twins

1

2

2

4-4 over

Run

Yakety snap

N/A

-6

Gardner holds the ball out for Toussaint; Kerridge knocks it out as he passes.

M8

2

16

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

4-3 over

Run

Inverted veer keeper

Gardner

35

Odd play. Playside end flies up, keep, Toussaint blocks him out. Schofield(-0.5) gets pushed back by the playside tackle; Glasgow(+2), the puller, puts him on his ass and then heads to the second level inside of Schofield. Miller(+1) seals the NT; Kalis momentarily doubles and then releases himself; Gardner(+2) reads that the hole is directly up the middle and shoots upfield, then hits a cutback lane. No angles for second level blocks for Glasgow and Kalis but there's so much room on the backside that it doesn't matter. He takes off for a huge gain.

M43

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

4-3 over

Run

Iso

Toussaint

3

M runs at the overload side of the Akron line. Miller(-0.5) and Glasgow(-0.5) can't get the nose sealed away on a double and he plus the MLB mean no gaps on where there are supposed to be gaps. Miller comes around and does get a block on a linebacker. Sort of. Tough angle because of the no NT seal. Toussaint does take it N/S this time, hitting it up behind that nose and getting a few. We'll take it.

M46

2

7

I-Form

2

1

2

4-3 under

Pass

Waggle drag

Chesson

Inc

Chesson coming across the formation, Gardner turns around and is almost immediately hit. He throws, dangerously, and the pass hits the turf. Atari 2600 play. (PR, 0, protection N/A, RPS -2)

M46

3

7

Shotgun 4-wide

1

1

3

Nickel even

Pass

Hitch

Gallon

8

Pitch and catch rhythm throw that Akron defends pretty well, getting a hit on the catch. Still unable to break it up. (CA, 2, protection 1/1)

O46

1

10

Pistol trips TE

1

1

3

4-4 under

Run

Inside zone read

Toussaint

1

DE holds up, give. M is running towards the stacked side of the line and has Funchess away from the play, so he never has a shot at blocking anyone who matters. It's possible he's supposed to hit the backside end? Glasgow(+1) kicks out a DT effectively. Lewan(+0.5) gets a good kickout. Miller releases immediately and gets on the MLB, putting him to one side. Kalis(-0.5) and Schofield(-0.5) double the backside tackle and don't get him sealed; Kalis pops off on a LB but doesn't really have an angle to seal him either. Toussaint tries to pop outside into the large amounts of space Glasgow bought him but the MLB tackles. RPS –1.

O45

2

9

Shotgun 2TE twins

1

2

2

4-3 even

Pass

TE Hitch

Butt

14

Probably an option route; Butt reads zone and sits down; Gardner hits him in rhythm, allowing Butt to turn up for some YAC. (CA, 3, protection 1/1). Thought about DO.

O31

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

4-3 even

Run

Power O

Toussaint

-2

Akron slants, causing chaos. It's clear M is now trying not to turn around and pass guys off; here they blow it and get buried. I think this is Kalis(-1) not IDing the slant and coming off to block the nose who is coming into his gap. Schofield(-1) also loses his guy, who goes upfield, picks off Glasgow, and gets a two for one as Schofield chases. RPS -1.

O33

2

12

I-Form

2

1

2

4-3 under

Pass

Hitch

Chesson

33

Finally! This is an iso fake into a pass with Toussaint blocking the edge guy. Two guys go after Houma. Chesson comes open for a hitch for about eight, goes around one guy, runs through an ankle tackle attempt from a second guy, and then is gently pushed towards the endzone by a third. He takes the invitation. +2 run. (CA, 3, protection 2/2)

Drive Notes: Touchdown, 21-10, 3 min 3rd Q. Hold onto your butts.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M29

1

10

I-Form

2

1

2

6-2 bear

Run

Iso

Toussaint

1

With an LB over him Glasgow cannot help Miller(-1), who gets blasted back again in a poor fashion. Fitz tries to cut back, and this time he has to. Kalis(-1) had a free release and ends up letting a LB upfield of him to tackle.

M30

2

9

Ace

1

2

2

5-3 bear

Pass

PA skinny post

Gallon

Inc

Four verts for M with man free. This means both inside guys have an S coming with them and the outside guys are one on one. Instead of trying Funchess on an LB, a skinny post to Gallon against double coverage is Gardner's pick. It is well behind Gallon and that's probably good, since otherwise it's intercepted. (BRX, 0, protection 2/2).

M30

3

9

Shotgun trips bunch

1

1

3

Nickel even

Pass

Screen

Toussaint

INT

MLB sent on a blitz. Doesn't tip it at all; Miller(-2) looks to a DT immediately, which lets that guy through clean. Even a bump throws him off. Gardner drops, throws the screen, guy makes an awesome play to undercut and intercept for six. Gardner is looking at this the whole way and can loft the ball or turf it, so not good, but first and foremost I don't think you expect a linebacker to come under this like this guy does. (BR, 0, protection N/A, RPS -3)

Drive Notes: Defensive touchdown, 21-17, 14 min 4th Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M25

1

10

Shotgun 2TE twins

1

2

2

5-3 bear

Run

Inverted veer keeper

Gardner

3

Playside end is playing this better, shading down as the LB to the outside contains. Playside NT shoots into the backfield immediately. Glasgow gets him, but gets him such that he takes out Miller's legs in a dangerous way. Miller goes down, NT keeps his feet and starts flowing, free of Miller. Funchess(-2) again turns entirely around chasing the contain guy, leaving a MLB totally free. He and the tackle freed up by the Glasgow/Miller thing combine to tackle. Glasgow(+1) pounded his guy, FWIW, and Lewan(+0.5) got out and sealed off a linebacker.

M28

2

7

Ace H

1

2

2

5-3 bear

Pass

Sack

Gardner

-10

Sympathize with Toussaint(-2) here, as he seems to be expecting a waggle and ends up outside of the DE, but Gardner is setting up in the pocket. DE gets in, Gardner evades, delayed LB sees it and shoots up to sack. (PR, 0, protection 0/2, Toussaint -2)

M18

3

17

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

3-2-6 dime

Pass

Scramble

Gardner

10

Three man rush, lots of time, Gardner decides he doesn't have anything and takes off. (TA, N/A, protection 2/2)

Drive Notes: Punt, 21-17, 13 min 4th Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M20

1

10

I-Form Big

2

2

1

5-4 bear

Run

Iso

Toussaint

16

Okay, Fitz, this is a cutback to make. Akron has three guys shaded to the playside and while the blocking is okay, Kalis had to block a guy playside of him without help and that threatens to eat Toussaint. But backside end is containing Gardner, Schofield(+2) blows up the bear LB enormously; Funchess(+1) gets a great extended kick on a backside LB and Toussaint(+2) slams it up between them after the smart cutback. Glasgow(+0.5) got a good frontside block, but it becomes irrelevant. Kalis(+0.5) did drive his guy somewhat, giving Fitz more room.

M36

1

10

I-Form Big

2

2

1

5-4 bear

Run

Iso

Toussaint

2

Same play. Fitz should try the same thing on the same play but the backside end is coming down more and he decides to slam it up into an unblocked LB as an Akron guy cuts Kerridge in the backfield. Schofield(+1) got good drive on the backside guy and Funchess appears to get a kick; this is just Akron loading up and selling out and Toussaint(-0.5) not expecting to get the same thing he got the last play. RPS –1.

M38

2

8

Ace H

1

2

2

5-3 bear

Run

Power O

Toussaint

-1

Ludicrously bad from Toussaint(-3) as he immediately cuts away from a well-blocked playside. Funchess(+1) had banged the end inside, Kalis had gotten clear of that attempt to spill, and Toussaint runs straight into the backside of the play for a loss that is entirely his fault.

M37

3

9

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

Nickel even

Pass

Comeback

Gallon

8

Protection is okay, but only just, as Gardner gets some heat as he throws. Gallon is open, but only just, and gets tackled immediately. That's life on third and nine when your RB ignores the playcall. (CA, 2, protection 2/2)

Drive Notes: Punt, 21-17, 9 min 4th Q.

Ln

Dn

Ds

O Form

RB

TE

WR

D Form

Type

Play

Player

Yards

M30

1

10

Ace twins

1

2

2

6-2 bear

Pass

Wheel

Funchess

Inc

This is batted at the line. Not a great read since Butt is leaking out by himself on the other side of the field, but it's Funchess so you can throw it up and he might catch it. Miller(-1) allowed the pressure. (BA, 0, protection ½, Miller -1)

M30

2

10

Shotgun 3-wide

1

1

3

5-2 bear

Run

QB draw

Gardner

35

When in doubt, run the QB. Glasgow(+1) hits a LB, opening up a crease, and then Gardner(+3) hits it, cuts back inside, dodging two guys trying to fill, and bursts upfield.

O35

1

10

Ace

2

1

2

4-3 even

Pass

PA out and up

Gallon

21

Akron in zone; Gardner kind of stares this down but Gallon does come open in between levels and sits down; Gardner hits him in rhythm, and Gallon spins upfield to shake a tackler and pick up some YAC. (CA, 3, protection 2/2, RPS +1.)

O14

1

10

I-Form twins tight stack

2

1

2

4-4 even

Pass

TE Dig

Butt

Inc (Pen +12)

Blitz right up the middle taken care of by Kerridge with aplomb. Glasgow(-1) can't prevent his guy from coming inside of him and then Toussaint(-1) gives him a weak shoulder block instead of cutting a guy much bigger than him, so Gardner has pressure in his face as he throws. Ball is inch perfect; DB wraps his hand around Butt in an attempt to get a PBU and gets an obvious PI flag. (DO, 0, protection 1/3)

O2

1

G

Goal line

3

2

0

Goal line

Run

Down G

Toussaint

2

Magnuson in, Lewan and Schofield buddy cop comedy time. Lewan(+1) caves in the playside end; Schofield(+1) puts his guy on the ground. Glasgow(+1), pulling outside of those two, also puts his guy on the ground. Toussaint has acres of space for a play from the two, and scores.

The biggest parameter is admittedly "starting QB doesn't make the large mistakes that now seem baked into his game."

ACK ACK ACK TTHPPPTH ACK

Oh and some stuff about the line and Toussaint. But we should look at the main man first. Here is a—

ACK TTPPHTHTHTH BLARF

—chart.

Devin Gardner 2012

Opponent

DO

CA

MA

IN

BR

TA

BA

PR

SCR

DSR

Minnesota

3

7(1)

4

2(1)

2*

2

-

3

4

72%

Northwestern

4

16(2)

2

1

3*

2(1)

2(1)

2

5

79%

Iowa

3

16(4)

-

2(1)

2

1

-

1

4

83%

Ohio State

3

11(1)

2

5*

2

1

-

3

2

65%

South Carolina

4

16(2)

2

8

3

4

-

2

2

57%

Devin Gardner 2013

Opponent

DO

CA

MA

IN

BR

TA

BA

PR

SCR

DSR

Central Michigan

2

10(1)+

1

1

2*

-

-

1

3

82%

Notre Dame

7+

16(1)++

4(1)

2

3*

-

1

4

4

82%

Akron

3

14(2)

-

5

3**

2

1

3

1

59%

Shane Morris

Opponent

DO

CA

MA

IN

BR

TA

BA

PR

SCR

DSR

Central Michigan

-

4

-

1

1*

1

-

-

-

N/A

Dammit. One week after a superlative performance with rushers all up in his face, Gardner gets all wobbly.

Gardner made three mistakes that had a huge impact on the game: not pitching on the speed option and the two interceptions that weren't rifled off of Funchess's head. The first INT was just a terrible read. It's the same play Michigan scored on at the end of the Outback bowl, a route that sees Gallon head inside to a seam area and then break in or out to a corner or post. This is the post, but it doesn't matter which Gallon is breaking to, when that corner sinks with Gallon he should immediately come off and hit Funchess on the crossing route:

I'm torn on the pick six, which is at least half Akron getting a good playcall in and the linebacker making an awesome play. I don't know if you can expect Gardner to see that guy when he's got defensive linemen in his face. He may have had his vision blocked.

The frustrating and crazy thing about the option play is that Gardner saw Akron didn't have a force player to the boundary, checked into the speed option, and then didn't make the obvious pitch he'd seen presnap. Akron's end played it well, backing off and waiting, but there's a moment he commits and Gardner don't curr.

I filed that as a BRX, a BR, and a –4 on the ground for Gardner (mistake plus fumble), FWIW.

Gardner got rattled after the first couple mistakes, pump-faking on a throw to Chesson and then shooting it way over his head, then throwing way late and thus behind an open Gallon to force a Michigan punt.

On the other hand, hey, Devin Gardner can do this:

That was one of three separate 35-yard runs he had. Even with a 12-yard loss for the fumble in there, Gardner ripped off 111 yards on nine carries. (He was sacked once for a ten yard loss). That was the difference between victory and death when everything else was going wrong. Also, Gardner's YPA of 8.2 remained in the excellent range.

But let's move on to the hot line takes.

OH NO. NO NO NO NO—

Offensive Line

Player

+

-

Total

Notes

Lewan

7.5

1

6.5

Pancake factory on power.

Glasgow

12.5

3.5

9

Apparently I agree with the coaches.

Miller

3

8.5

-5.5

Oof.

Kalis

7

4.5

2.5

Not as consistent as the other G.

Schofield

8

4

4

Got push, push got used by Toussaint cutbacks.

Williams

-

-

-

DNP

Funchess

7.5

3.5

4

Turned around once, but otherwise a nice day.

Butt

2.5

1

1.5

Pretty good for a freshman.

Magnuson

-

-

-

DNC

TOTAL

48

26

65%

Not what you want against Akron but better than it seemed after initial shakiness.

Backs

Player

+

-

T

Notes

Gardner

7

4

3

Fast; argh option.

Morris

-

-

-

DNP

Toussaint

5.5

9.5

-4

Much more on this later.

Green

-

-

-

One carry.

Smith

-

-

-

DNP

Hayes

-

-

-

DNC

Rawls

-

-

-

DNP

Houma

-

-

-

DNC

Kerridge

2

-

2

Blocks got cut away from.

TOTAL

14.5

13.5

1

Toussaint YPC his own doing.

Receiver

Player

+

-

T

Notes

Gallon

1

2

-1

Jackson

1

1

0

Chesson

4

1

3

Two for his catch and run.

Reynolds

-

1

-1

Dileo

-

1

-1

Norfleet

1

-

1

Followed blocks on screen.

York

-

-

-

DNP

TOTAL

7

6

1

Note on blocking press stuff in WR chart section.

Metrics

Player

+

-

T

Notes

Protection

36

8

82%

Glasgow –3, Miller –2, Toussaint –3

RPS

10

11

-1

We love him this week

--wait. What?

Toussaint's day looks a lot better statistically if a phantom holding call on Jake Butt doesn't bring back a 15-yarder and he doesn't nerf a long run himself by running outside of Jeremy Gallon. Oh, and occasionally follows good blocks by his teammates. After the initial issues with zone, Michigan blocked well enough to see their tailback crack 100 yards at an excellent YPC; the tailback just didn't cooperate. Why in just a bit.

The other thing that jumps out is the noobs on the interior…

FIRE MILLER! FIRE GLASGOW! FIRE LEYLAND!

People have been mad about guys on the line in the aftermath of Saturday's game and have been demanding change. Since the tackles are obviously sacrosanct and Kyle Kalis is guru-approved, most of the vitriol has fallen on Miller and Glasgow. The fact that both have been dumped into the backfield periodically doesn't help.

Unfortunately, the issues here are more complicated than sending one or two guys to the unemployment line. As noted in the picture pages, some of the things they're doing don't make sense, and it's hard to tell why. The one about Michigan leaving first-level defenders un-doubled spawned a triple-digit comment thread featuring a lot of infighting about whether this was terrible on the part of Miller and Glasgow or terrible on the part of the coaches/Gardner for not checking away from the doomed play. I don't know.

I do know that if M does double those guys at the line, they are far less exposed to the kinds of TFLs they experienced in the first half of that game until Akron starts shooting gaps, and that not doubling guys on inside zone—which was Michigan's first play of the game—is very bizarre.

But why is Glasgow in the game? Because he executes his assignments more consistently than his competitors. Miller, too. Yes, even if he's badly negative in this one. Maybe Chris Bryant will be a revelation at some point, but every snap those guys take and every one in practice Bryant misses because of nagging injury du jour distances the current starters from their backups. Their issues are serious, but not fixable by anything but time.

In this edition of "here is a subtle thing I think an experienced offensive line might pull off," Miller releases on the Chesson end around and blocks the linebacker nearest to the play:

That turns out to be the wrong guy to block, because Akron's in man coverage and the guy further outside is the one shooting to the backside of the play while the guy Miller blocks is checking Toussaint. Miller looks at both of these dudes and picks the superficially logical one; a deeper understanding of what he's looking at when the playside LB is stepping away from him might get him to block the guy booking for where the play's actually going. (Coaching types, feel free to tell me this is crazy to expect.)

That kind of stuff is the thing holding back the running game against Akron and CMU. It's turning around in space, or not getting the right double. It's no coincidence that when Michigan's running game turned into see-man-smash-man power plays it (largely) took off. It may turn out that Miller can't hold up against Big Ten linemen and gets replaced, but so much of offensive line play is quick decisions aided by reps and chemistry. A midseason shift brings its own problems.

If you want a little hope in this department, watch Glasgow on one of Gardner's two big inverted veer gains:

Schofield gets pushed back, cutting off Glasgow's route to where the play design is, so Glasgow decides to end that guy and go get him a linebacker. That is one huge crease up the middle all of a sudden and Gardner's off to the races. That's the kind of thing I'm talking about. That kind of instinct under fire is a long-developing thing.

I actually think Michigan has a problem elsewhere…

Fire Toussaint? Surely you can't be serious.

Not exactly Fire Toussaint, but he's really starting to frustrate me. He all but refuses to follow his fullback (again, as noted in the recent Picture Pages) and has turned into Michael Shaw when it comes to any and all options. Here he's already cut to the back side of the line on an iso. Unlike many times he's done this, it works out for him because the guys on the backside have blown their guys back and he evades a tackle attempt—#5 on the ground there.

He takes this ball outside of Gallon. Yup. Instead of cutting right upfield on the M and maybe juking a safety for six points he goes east/west, bringing the sideline into play and turning an irrelevant block by Gallon into a holding call as he blows up that blocking angle. Gallon's blocking an iso to the other side of the field—he can't expect the running back to go behind him.

That is a huge freaking hole. Every one of his offensive lineman has executed his assignment and Kerridge is about to cut the MLB to the ground. Toussaint cuts this to the backside like he did on the frame above; this time he gets tackled by that linebacker hanging out back there, turning a potential big gain into four yards.

We've been trying to figure out why the run game sucks so much basically since the season started, and every time I try to explain this I talk about the offensive line mostly and then go "oh by the way, Toussaint probably should have done something different." Those add up. He's turning 2 yards into –2 yards and 10 yards into 4 yards too often and not making up for it much. He's got a nice 14-yarder against ND and then yet another cutback into trouble when he had a gaping hole that he managed to turn into 22 yards by breaking a tackle and juking. That's it.

That is a healthy gain if he follows his lead blocker turned into a loss. Michigan would complete a tough eight yard pass on the ensuing third and nine. I know he had a nice day against Notre Dame in the run charting, but if he doesn't break that Day arm tackle he's right around zero for that game with negatives in the two MAC games—you know, the ones in which there were actually holes for him to hit because the line wasn't getting spanked by NFLers.

I don't know if the guy is totally borked after last year's slasher flick, but I sincerely hope Fred Jackson spends the next three weeks screaming at him to follow his lead blocker. Kerridge is wrecking people to no purpose. Fitz needs to stop playing heroball.

FWIW, Green's only carry was a power play on which Kalis made a mistake and got caught up by the playside end crashing inside. He burrowed straight upfield for a few yards instead of heading to the intended gap, which I can understand but do not prefer.

Receivers?

[Passes are rated by how tough they are to catch. 0 == impossible. 1 == wow he caught that, 2 == moderate difficulty, 3 == routine. The 0/X in all passes marked zero is implied.]

Player

0

1

2

3

0

1

2

3

Gallon

3

3/3

3/4

8

8/9

11/12

Jackson

1

2

3/3

Reynolds

1/1

0/1

1/1

2/2

Chesson

2

1/1

3

1/1

Dileo

1

1/1

4/4

Norfleet

1/1

1

3/3

York

Funchess

1

0/2

2/2

2

1/2

0/3

6/6

Butt

1

2/2

1

0/1

0/1

5/5

Williams

Toussaint

1

1/1

1

3/3

Hayes

Green

Smith

Kerridge

Houma

1/1

1/1

This week in Jeremy Gallon is good at football:

Lock-on syndrome does appear to be a thing, and it hurt Michigan on one of the interceptions.

I don't have a table for this, but with Akron in press coverage for big chunks of this game it was strange to see Michigan try to block guys. It turned an otherwise open Chesson end around into two yards when running the DB off* is usually the preferred option. Michigan did that on the doomed option play…

…to good effect, so not seeing it a couple other places was odd. You know they use it.

*[IE, immediately releasing outside and running a fly pattern, which will turn the DB's back to the LOS away from the play. By the time the DB realizes it's a run, he's 20 yards downfield.]

Funchess blocked some dudes?

Yeah, he was considerably better in this game. When Michigan ran power Akron was shooting the end inside (playing to "spill"), hoping to get penetration on Funchess and pick off the pulling G. Funchess got the guy inside and held his ground enough to allow the guard around, and Toussaint picked up some nice runs when that happened since Lewan and company were pounding their guys inside. Example:

Watch the H-back.

Funchess also got some nice kicks on iso plays that cut back to him and was the key block on Gardner's inverted veer touchdown. He may have gotten away with a hold, but I'll take Funchess driving a guy six yards off the LOS any way that he can do it. I don't even really blame him for the one ugly block he seemed responsible for, as he was given a tough assignment, trying to seal a DE lined up outside of him on a pitch to the boundary. That's tough for anyone.

Funchess also was more involved with the gameplan, catching a 17-yarder and of course turning upfield for a long catch and run on the first drive. An encouraging game that may not mean much against stiffer competition.

Glasgow and Kalis consistently bashed in the Akron line. Gardner's legs were hugely important. Gallon was as good as he usually is.

Maybe not so heroic?

Gardner's huge mistakes cost Michigan ten points and depending on your POV of the pick-six maybe another seven. Toussaint gave away a ton of yards by not trusting his blocking. Miller had a rough day.

What does it mean for UConn and the future?

The offensive line wasn't as bad as it looked. They had some identification issues early that hampered things, but they also get credit for blocking the inverted veers and once they adjusted to what Akron was doing they were blowing them up, for the most part. Protection was good, as well. Glasgow had a good game after a tough outing against Nix. If there is a change it will be sliding him to center so Bryant can come in.

Glasgow is ahead of Kalis. That's right, I said it.

Toussaint has PTSD. Poor Damn Toussaint is only a thing still because he assumes the blocking will die and makes bad decisions both when it does (bouncing hopelessly) and doesn't (cutting away from big creases). Not to sound like a low-rent color commentator, but go north/south, and stop pussyfooting around like a pinko. RUN LIKE 'MERICA: INTO THE TEETH OF UNNECESSARY DANGER.

Gardner is a danger to himself and others. If he stops making the big mistakes, look out. If he continues making the big mistakes, look out. He can get wobbly and fall apart; when he's on, he's really f-ing on.

Michigan needs some counters. Passing off the veer or running that counter trey right or something. Need it.

Comment viewing options

I agree with the analysis on Toussaint, and I am thinking that maybe the coach we should be raising an eyebrow at is one Fred Jackson, and not Funk. But I also remember Gorgeous Al emphasizing that you don't rely on freshman running backs because that is how you get your QB killed.

Overall I think this game was on Gardner and his lack of experience. Going forward every defense is going to target Gallon as the threat, until Gardner makes them aware of Dileo,TE's and most importantly Jehu!

I expect to see Jehu on Kick Off returns and replacing the reynolds/jackson sightings.

But just one hunch about Gardner: the problem wasn't him freaking so much as remaining a little too casual and certain that he was going to kill Akron on the very next play. (Someone did all these kids a disservice telling them they were going to win big, sub out early, etc.) I think Gardner tightens things up a little and we look okay on Sat. night; the Akrondebacle may prove a blessing in disguise.

Personally, I worry that Mattison is just a little predictable more than I worry about Borges. But I've been pleading Borges's case while everyone worshipped Mattison for two years now, so. . .

P.S. A loss would have set the program back a year, I am convinced. Michigan needs to go five more years without an Appy State in order to get the "high priced spread gets gashed" monkey off its back. Regular humiliations are not acceptable.

its hard to move around much and communicate when the offense is going 4 wide. there is only so much you can do in that space. movement in against a 2back 1TE set or 1back 2TE is a lot easier. also defense is quite young especially in the front 7 when washington and black are subbed out which is where you can really move guys around.

At a minimum we need to check out of blitzes or change them once a we show it and the QB audibles. We've had too many plays flicked over the obvious blitzer into the zone he just vacated, first by Tommy Rees two weeks ago and Pohl last week.

to your opinion or Gardner, but frankly I think the opposite of 'too casual' is jumping up and down and screaming at us to look at it.

I've seen 'panties in a bunch' phenomenon in sport in person and on TV enough to recognize it. Gardner has looked like he's easily made too uptight after one mistake this year. That's the odd thing. He seemed more relaxed last year after mistakes, but this year, ever since the endzone interception by Tuitt, he looks easily rattled.

Yeah, I know, 'ever since' only covers the last 5 quarters, but it gives me cause for concern.

I think "freshman RBs getting the QB killed" is an overblown concern. Sure, maybe Green/Smith don't have the pass blocking down yet. So you put them in the game and call some runs, hitches, slants, and screens. 3-step drop kind of stuff. If we can eliminate those disastrous early-down losses where Fitz doesn't follow his blocking, that might be worth eliminating the threat of seven-step drop max-protect passes.

Freshmen not named Hart fumble. Fitz at least hangs onto the ball. And if you throw some RB turnovers to the DEVIN WHA'S?! you get each game that it might cause trouble. But this keeps up and they might not have any choice but to try it.

Toussaint's blocking hasn't been all that great either. Brian gives him a pass on 3rd down on the first 3 and out, but if he cuts his man down, I don't think Gardner rolls out. It doesn't seem like a designed roll out. Gardner sees Toussaint barely chipping a guy and flushes right into the LB spying and containing him.

Fitz' pattern seems to be very well established now: he is looking for space instead of looking for blocks. Whether it's a 2-yard lass or a big pick-up with bonus yards, he is searching for green instead of Blue.

Poetically said, but I'm not sure it's true. There have been many times he's chosen to cut straight into blockers/tacklers rather run to open space. I think he's just got tunnel vision, making a decision before the evidence he should be using is even available.

I agree about that being his pattern, but that hasn't always been an issue. To me that's developed as games have gone on this year, and perhaps it's a function of his blocking. If you go playside and get tackled for a loss or no gain, you start looking elsewhere for yardage. Just like a QB who gets hit constantly starts to get happy feet or doesn't step into his throws, a running back who can't find holes at the point of attack starts trying to bounce things.

IMO the way to get any players attention in any sport is to deny them playing time. If the coaches see what Brian's seeing (Fitz not hitting the hole and cutting back needlessly) my guess is we'll see less of him against the Huskies and more of Green. That was the prediction for Green all along - Fitz just might be accelerating the timetable by refusing to take what seems obvious to anyone with a camera.

Wow I hadn't heard that. That's really bad. Green hasn't impressed me at all as far as obtaining any yards beyond what his blockers give him, but at this point Fitz loses 5 yards his blockers gave him for every bonus yard he gets.

This. I love Fitz but he is consistently making the wrong decisions. This is not a once or twice in a game type thing. Three games of poor choices is a pattern. Put in any RB that will hit the hole/follow his blocking/ run north south. This would make all of the OL look better if we just got some plus yardage on these plays.

I wouldn't say that. we act like Green would be some major upgrade because of his rankings, but he's still young and, frankly, a bit out of shape/sorts out there. Fitz hasn't played great but neither has the line. just putting in another unproven back and hoping he'll be better doesn't seem like a great idea to me.

are reduced somewhat by his limited carries. So far he seems to go down when contacted by the defenses heavy breathing.

Small sample size and all, but haven't seen much in the way of balance or power to keep him on his feet.

If he picks the right hole more than FItz and hangs onto the ball as well, maybe it's a wash or a mild upgrade. 2 big ifs. I'm all for him getting a few more carries per game to find out, but my hopes arn't very high.

The biggest problem on offense was going on between Devin's ears. He's inexperienced and he's playing too fast and he wants to make many touchdowns on every play. The coaches need to slow him down and teach him to spread the football around.

Agree on the Fitz criticism. Running the football is so instinctive that I believe one of the freshmen could possibly do it now. Super small sample size but the guy that looks the most like a Michigan back of lore right now is Deveon Smith. He's like Chris Perry, but with an A+ in Organic Chemistry.

"Just for once I'd like to see all these things sort of straightened out, with each person getting exactly what he deserves. It might give me some confidence in this universe."

I don't get that comment. I thought Smith looked ok in his small sample size. Ran hard, broke tackles... There's a lot of clamering for Green, but he has gone down on first contact almost every time he's touched the ball. I don't think there's anyone behind Touissant with a good small sample.

There were a number of people absolutely obsessed with Smith, seemingly only to appear as foils to Green's higher rating. Now, despite a YPC of less than 2 (yes, small sample size) you have people comparing Smith to record-setting Michigan backs. I mean, seriously?

I don't think Smith looked very good in his limited time. He showed enthusiasm and he might be good in the future, but he's still young and pretty slow.

YPC is an almost-useless statistic. My interest is only in yards provided by the blocking versus actual yards. Green is beating Smith in actual yards, but every single one of those yards was provided by the blocking, and there are probably dozens of M players who could have accomplished that. Throw any DB or WR in there for Green's 30-yard run and he gets at least that many. Meanwhile, Smith has poor actual yards, but in my metric of choice is slightly ahead of Green. Green looks soft, both literally and figuratively. Fitz is harder to judge, since he's as likely to turn nothing into 10 as he is 20 into -2.

...is evaluation of practice reps. We don't have access, but the coaches do and I'm going to assume that if anyone is consistently outperforming in practice we'll see it show up in extra playing time on Saturday.

What is with Toussaints inability to hit the hole? I at least understand the attempt to bounce it outside when the hole closes up and there is a mass of bodies, however giving up on the intended hole/path long before he reaches it just seems so bizarre and inexcusable

I think Johnson could be another body if Toussaint gets hurt or whatever, but Johnson is just a guy. He was a 2-star recruit who doesn't show great speed, cutback ability, or power on the field. He will get the yards that are there. According to people in this thread, Green can do that just as well. Toussaint is the most dynamic runner on the team when he's following his blocks. His offensive line has been terrible, and now he's bouncing out his runs...which is pretty common for guys who run behind bad offensive lines.

Heh. Very limited in his skill set? You won't find many running backs who can run through the tackles of 300 lb. defensive linemen. Toussaint can do anything you realistically expect a 5'11", 200 lb. back to do, although he's struggling right now with hitting the hole. That hasn't really been a problem before, so maybe that's a learned trait that can be unlearned once his interior linemen aren't whiffing on blocks so consistently as to spook him...

Which guy should I trust? The guy who watched the game live who provides merely anecdotal evidence...or the guy who watched the game live, then watched every play in slow motion multiple times, and then wrote up a detailed explanation of each play? Hmm.